Applying self-tanner

“Apply a light moisturizer to your drier areas right before application.”

Stains, streaks and darker patches are almost never caused by a bad self-tanner, but by the technique. Whether you use a spray, mousse or drops, preparation determines most of your final result. In the complete self-tanning guide, you’ll find the basics. Here, you’ll find the full step-by-step routine. With the right tools and the right timing, you can apply self-tanner evenly and streak-free to your body.

How to apply self-tanner without streaks? 

You apply self-tanner streak-free by exfoliating 24 hours before, hydrating dry areas, blending the product with a Tanning Glove in circular motions and then allowing it to dry properly. An even result is not a matter of luck, but of four fixed steps that you follow in the right order. The first two are about preparing your skin, while the last two focus on the application itself. Skip the preparation, and you’ll see it immediately in a uneven result, no matter how carefully you apply the product afterwards.

Applying self-tanner in 4 steps

Step 1: Exfoliate 24 hours before

Remove dead skin cells with an oil-free scrub, such as the Black Exfoliator. Smooth, even skin absorbs the colour evenly, while loose dead skin cells can cause a uneven result. Scrub one day before your tanning session, not right before tanning, so your skin has time to calm down. Want to shave or remove hair from your legs? Do this at this stage, at least 24 hours beforehand, to prevent dark dots in open pores. Read why timing matters in the guide on shaving before or after self-tanner.

Step 2: Hydrate dry areas

Apply a light moisturizer to your drier areas right before application: knuckles, elbows, knees, ankles and heels. These areas have a thicker, drier outer layer of skin that can otherwise absorb the colour too intensely. A thin layer of moisture slows down absorption in those spots, helping the colour stay even. Do not moisturize the rest of your skin: there, you want a clean, dry base.

Step 3: Apply with the Tanning Glove

Never apply self-tanner with bare hands or a regular washcloth. A washcloth absorbs the product and wastes it, while bare hands can leave you with orange palms. Use the Tanning Glove: the microfibre texture distributes the product evenly and helps prevent streaks. Work body part by body part using soft, overlapping, circular motions, moving from the bottom upwards. For your face, use a separate Kabuki Brush for more precision.

Step 4: Let it dry and set

Allow the product to dry completely for 3 to 5 minutes before getting dressed, then wear loose, dark clothing. Wait at least 6 to 8 hours, ideally overnight, before showering or exercising, so the colour can fully develop. Prefer building your tan in two thin layers rather than applying one thick layer at once: this gives a deeper and more even result.

Can you apply self-tanner without a glove?

You can, but it is not recommended. Without a Tanning Glove, you are more likely to get streaks and orange discoloration on your palms. If you do not have a glove, wash your hands thoroughly with soap immediately after application, paying extra attention to your fingertips and around your nails. A regular washcloth is not a good alternative: it absorbs the product instead of distributing it. For a truly even, streak-free result, the glove is the most reliable choice, especially on tricky areas and when blending from one body part to another.

How often should you apply self-tanner

For an even-looking tan, refresh your colour every 3 to 4 days with a thin layer. This gives a more natural and even result than applying a thick layer every now and then. Because self-tanner usually lasts 3 to 7 days and fades gradually, a light touch-up helps keep your tan consistent and prevents patchiness. You can read how to extend your colour with daily hydration in the guide on how long self-tanner lasts. 

Applying self-tanner by area

The basic step-by-step routine applies to your entire body, but two areas need a slightly different approach. For your face, use a milder formula and more precision; you’ll find the full explanation in the guide on applying self-tanner to your face. For your legs, the drier skin around the knees and ankles needs extra attention; for that, see the guide on applying self-tanner to your legs.